Press

“As stewards of this estate it is our goal to preserve the history and the integrity of the property and we are incredibly proud to be able to share it with others.”– William & Jane Ballentine, Proprietors

Recently in the press*

"This impressive 2013 Chardonnay Cuvee Jane Marie, which was aged 10 months on its lees, offers crisp honeysuckle as well as touches of orange oil, lemon zest and pear. The wine is medium to full-bodied and beautifully pure, with a hint of underlying minerality. This textured, impressive beauty should be drunk over the next 4-5 years." 92 Points- Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

"Still in barrel, William Cole's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Cuvée Claire shows plenty of blueberry and blackberry fruit, sweet tannin, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel and impeccable craftsmanship. This young, still primary, beauty should drink well for 20+ years." 90-92 Points- Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Archived Articles

2010 Cuveé Claire Cabernet Sauvignon
“Intense aromas of cassis, licorice and earth jump from the glass of this dense purple-colored wine. A cascade of fruit hides some serious structure in this rich, juicy, full bodied, young, primary 2010. Bursting with potential, this intriguing wine should be forgotten for 1-3 years and drunk over the following 15+”
93+ points from The Wine Advocate

“His role as oenological auteur renders dramatic results. The 2009 Cuvée Claire shows the sure hand of an artist.”Brett Anderson,
Robb Report, November 2012Download full article

The Extrovert

2007 William Cole Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
“Ballentine blends grapes grown in the loamy soils of the valley floor with hillside fruit cultivated in soils of volcanic rock; the result is a rich, complex, and quintessential Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.”- ‘Holiday Host Guide,’ Robb Report December 2011